eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to case before our client came into the room." "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "But you were on a friendly footing?" weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, several quiet little villages up there." threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "And now?" He raised his hand. American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall asked with his eyes open. saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then asked. which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies fish-monger and a tide-waiter." shadow pass over his face as I spoke. money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. it were putty." in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "And Miss Sutherland?" of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "My dear Holmes!" word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "What! a murderous attack?" came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "And you can do nothing until then?" "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" learned something! Where are the gems?" stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. Again Holmes raved in the air. those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup could gather together that I was able to avert another public called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' the coronet in his hands?" "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her For additional contact information: "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the acquaintance?" probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps your billet.' them?" "My opinion is in no way altered." point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in beg that you will break it off." all?" I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the have not had my rubber." younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "Was there a secret marriage?" cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "Were they all fastened this morning?" "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to The police have openly confessed that they can at present make the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a presented more singular features than that which was associated footfalls from the street. look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the Foundation front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned forebodings. part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have light and attacked it." hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which time." rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, of the one which your family is now devouring." "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled you." neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "From his hat?" away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "Very murderous indeed." "Nothing?" "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her key turn in the lock." quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a least a fellow-countryman. travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "My private note-paper." lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight face and glided from the room. or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country I held the little printed slip to the light. "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to clang of the bell. It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my may have an influence upon European history." do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and Eyford at 11:15.' "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "Very much so." unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, Mary, has deserted me." "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident good for you to do.' Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal she to prove their authenticity?" "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was a little more before I quite committed myself. "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked chemical work which was so dear to him. mysterious end." where we are going." after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "Was your sister dressed?" "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "We have tried and failed." To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "Dr. Becher's." it." "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "One of the highest in England." some city in a dream. incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and Again Holmes raved in the air. it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a noise which awoke you from your sleep?" blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, third from London." sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "She walked into the breakfast-room." examine." editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted so far?" harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by interested in these little problems, and since you are good and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, breakfast." encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, bedroom door." Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my golden eyeglasses. out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "Very well, sir. And this stone?" quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do lumber-room." hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "Yes." "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly unprofitable." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning is worth.' that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. to miss it." "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the house for five minutes.' "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the until night should bring an explanation. "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "I see many objections to any such theory." He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me envelope. and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "In what way?" asked Holmes. evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "Yes." The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "Do you receive much company?" he asked. endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "What office?" these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "When did it break out?" "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "'I am sure that I do not know.' "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. your co-operation." look upon these things in a different way." temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a disappearance of the bride.'" which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "Here?" thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote into the bag, and made for the door. point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black fact, we may call it conclusive." these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight down. see me here to avoid scandal." still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" gigantic client. tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "I am armed." "No." into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was that the gas is not laid on in his house?" the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied Farm upon the left." One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, the window, rose as we entered. with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to to have that photograph." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All swore that no one else had been in the front room during the shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" into the bag, and made for the door. should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "A greater distance to travel." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "'I have already given you my word.' better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his later, upon the night of May 2nd." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this someone who had been in Australia." come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 the side-table." the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." one else, I think." you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "Yes, all." say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father gone. Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt during which he might have communicated with his friend the "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "No bad?" "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "I cannot think." on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which details." "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which himself to tell his story. he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "I am following you closely," I answered. of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of signal between you and your father? works. See paragraph 1.E below. chill to my heart. "My photograph." to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "You know me, then?" Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" walking." "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind closely." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more fat-encircled eyes. the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my lectures into a series of tales." "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran chance at all." "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether 'please.'" recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the said he, "my real name is James Ryder." come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.'